[Evaluation of the cytotoxicity of two capping materials: in vitro cell culture study]

Evaluation of the biocompatibility of a crown reconstruction material in vivo on human teeth by histologic observation of pulpal reactions is a long lasting and expensive procedure. Before to start it, a first examination can be done by testing the material on cell cultures. If the used culture cells contain antibiotics, it is necessary to combine these tests with a bacteriologic examination of the tested material. Two calcium hydroxide containing materials for dentin-pulp capping, were submitted to cytotoxicity tests using human pulpal fibroblasts cultures. The cytotoxicity of one over the two materials could be related to its lability and bacterial contamination.